Coloured diamonds with more than three centuries of history were some of the most desired of all jewellery. Those precious diamonds had such power to forestall wars but were also viewed as the ultimate royal gifts.
A rare diamond, called The Blue Farnese diamond, was passed down through four royal families, including Spain, France, Italy, and Austria. The first documented owner of this legendary diamond was the Queen of Spain, Elizabeth Farnese, and the rest, as they say, is history.
A Diamond’s Journey Across Empires
Wondering how The Blue diamond ended up in the hands of Queen Elizabeth Farnese? Well, it is pretty much a mix of faith and miracle. When Spanish King Philip V headed to marry his future wife Elizabeth, the colonial governors were instructed to send wedding gifts. The year 1715 was when a vast number of ships carrying treasures sailed to Spain. The unfortunate couple’s treasures were sunk in a hurricane off Florida.
The only ship that made it to the dock in the port of Seville was the one with the precious blue diamond that originated from the Golconda mines in southern India… and well, this is where it all started. Once the blue diamond was in the hands of Queen Elizabeth Farnese, it found its place within the Royal ancestry and stayed for over three centuries.
Aftermath says that although it traveled across the continent for centuries and was kept a secret, it did appear on the market. It was sold by the last family during the auction held by Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in Geneva. The 6.16-carat diamond had an estimated price between 3.5 and 5 million CHF but fetched 6.7 million surpassing the estimate.
The Farnese Blue diamond will remain unforgettable thanks to its sensational colour and rich history including the appearance of The Fernese diamond on a diamond tiara that belonged to Marie Antoinette, queen of France from 1774 to 1793.
